
2. Afternoon Tea
Clare insists Irene joins her for afternoon tea in her hotel suite and, very reluctantly, Irene agrees. Read by Ayesha Antoine.
In mid-1920s America, the Harlem renaissance of black culture and society may be underway but racism still runs deep through the habits and laws of the country.
Clare Kendry has severed all ties to her impoverished past in the black community of Chicago. Elegant, fair-skinned and ambitious, she is now married to a wealthy white man who is unaware of her African-American heritage.
When she renews her acquaintance with her childhood friend Irene, who is similarly light skinned but has not hidden her background, both women are forced to reassess their friendship and loyalties.
Written by Nella Larsen
Read by Ayesha Antoine
Abridged by Isobel Creed
Produced by Jill Waters
A Waters Company production for ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 4 first broadcast on Radio 4 in March 2022.
On radio
Broadcasts
- Tue 22 Mar 2022 12:04ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 4
- Tue 22 Mar 2022 22:45ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 4
- Tue 15 Jul 2025 08:30ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 4 Extra
- Tue 15 Jul 2025 13:30ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 4 Extra
- Tue 15 Jul 2025 19:30ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 4 Extra
- Wed 16 Jul 2025 03:30ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 4 Extra